Arsenal have reached an agreement to sell goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton for £25 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The England international played second fiddle to David Raya in goal last term. He was restricted to just 11 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.
It seemed clear that he would not accept another season as a deputy, and the Saints have now won the race to sign him permanently from Arsenal.
With the 25-year-old on his way to the south coast, Arsenal are now prepared to step up their pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Arsenal set to replace Ramsdale with Garcia
Ramsdale has been a fine shot-stopper for the Gunners. He now has the opportunity to secure guaranteed minutes and help Southampton avoid relegation.
Arsenal are expected to land a replacement before Friday’s transfer deadline, considering they have no other senior shot-stoppers in the squad aside from Raya.
The club have verbally agreed personal terms with Garcia, but a transfer may not be straightforward. The Gunners will need to negotiate on the price with Espanyol.
The 23-year-old’s release clause increased from £21m to £25m in the middle of August, but the Gunners will be hoping to sign him for around £10-15m.
Garcia has strong reflexes. He kept eight clean sheets in the final 14 games last term as Espanyol were promoted to La Liga.
He has also impressed with his distribution from the back. He has completed 70% of his passes with an average of almost five successful long balls this season.
Garcia has plenty of potential and could be a potential starter in the long run.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
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